[SoupDragon]

Although on reflection, I have struggled with issues for as long as I can remember, things came to a head more recently after a series of traumatic events. I was feeling really low and found myself sitting in a psychotherapy room for the first time ever. I thought a few sessions of CBT would be enough, but 12 months on, I think I am a little more complex than I realised. I am reluctant to see a doctor, don't want things on my medical record, but at the same time I feel a need to have a label, to try and understand myself more. My T has suggested that lables aren't helpful - yet I seem to be going around in circles trying to understand the symptoms I have. Woudl be grateful for others views

Hello, SoupDragon. I have had a lot of labels. Most of those who have treated me seemed to think the labels were essential for proper treatment. What I found curious is how hard it was for me to get a complete list of my diagnoses. Apparently, knowing the label was believed to be an impediment to treatment.

You have listed a number of concerns in your profile. PsychCentral has a lot of information about symptoms and treatments of mental disorders here: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/

Good luck in your quest to better understand your symptoms.

[wing]

I agree that a label on your symptoms might be helpful, but it seems to be a quirk of some doctors not to give one. A CBT therapist is more concerned with helping us become more functional. I think a psychiatrist would be more likely to give you a definition of what he thinks might be an explanation for your constellation of symptoms.

[Carole07]

I can understand why you feel that you need to know your diagnosis. A psychiatrist gave me a diagnosis a couple of years back. But I am seeing a different psychiatrist now and I am a little reluctant to ask what he thinks I have. Mainly because I really don't want to have a label. It is important to understand that the label does not necessarily define who you are. Just because I can have debilitating symptoms does not mean that it has to rule my life. That is why I am reluctant to ask.

[Perna]

I think psychiatric labels are mainly for the psychiatrist/therapist to help with how to begin treatment and what medicines might be helpful. If you are having trouble with understanding yourself and what you would like different after a year, I don't think a half hour with a therapist or psychiatrist would be able to accurately portray you any better than you yourself can?

List what you would like different in your life? Then work on those things?

[SoupDragon]

Thank-you so much for your replies and yes maybe I am looking for a definition of who I am as actually I have no idea and in terms of symptoms, I feel I can fit myself into many categories on here - maybe I am still struggling to accept that I do have problems and if someone said "Yes you have x,y,z" I could start to accept and move forward. As I said previoulsy I am new in terms of posting on this site and have found it so helpful already. Many thanks again